Lillian Till

MARBLEHEAD - Lillian Ann Till, age 88, died peacefully surrounded by family on August 21, 2024. Lillian is survived by her daughter Brenda (Till) Dumais and husband David Dumais of Marblehead and their three children Derek, Ryan, and Mandy Dumais; her daughter Susan Till and husband Gilbert Brennan and their son Teddy Brennan of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; and her sister Katherine Gillis of Marblehead. She is predeceased by her loving husband Robert Wellington Till of Marblehead, her parents William A. Gillis and Katherine (Uhlar) Gillis, brothers William Gillis and Robert Gillis all of Marblehead.

Lillian was born on February 7, 1936 in Marblehead at the old Mary Alley Hospital. A standout basketball player and majorette, Lillian graduated from Marblehead High School in 1954 and attended Boston University and Salem State College for her nursing degree. Throughout her career she worked in various care positions including private practice with Dr. Bessom of Swampscott, the Visiting Nurse Association, and Discharge Planning at Salem Hospital.

After her dad’s early passing, as the eldest of four children, she played a vital role in supporting the family business known at the time as Mandy’s on Elm Street. Many Marbleheaders will remember the penny candy counter and quick dashes into the store after finishing school down the road at Gerry. The family also at that time, traveled to Pine Island Florida which was the special homestead of her grandparents. There they shared the magic of farming and fishing in the rustic and beautiful Florida seaside.

She was a loving mother devoting herself to her children and grandchildren’s many activities. Whether it was time at the football fields, tennis courts, running venues, or concert halls, family could count on Lillian to be rooting for the home team. There were more than a few memorable parties in the back yard for high school sporting teams. A true “Marbleheader,” Lillian was dedicated to the town she loved and shared her time with the Girl Scouts during her daughters’ youth, the Red Cross, class reunion committees and charitable giving with the Female Humane Society.

Lillian was an active member with her late husband of the Rockland, Maine Golf Club for more than twenty-five years and spent many a summer day at the Swampscott Beach Club. Lillian was never far from the sea and enjoyed vacationing in Sanibel Island, Florida; Spruce Head, Maine; and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Neighbors cherished their chats on the porch and across the fence.

Her family and friends will always remember her generosity, strong will, and donation of time and care to many. Marblehead Forever!

The family would like to thank the Jeffrey & Susan Brudnick Center for Living for their care and compassion. Arrangements are under the care of Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead. A service of remembrance will be on Tuesday, September 17th at 11:00 a.m. at Waterside Cemetery, 294 West Shore Drive in Marblehead followed by a reception for friends and family at 12:00 p.m. at The Landing, 81 Front Street, also in Marblehead.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Robert W. Till Scholarship Fund through the Magicians Gridiron Club at P.O. Box 505, Marblehead, MA 01945 or the Female Humane Society Inc. at P.O. Box 425, Marblehead MA 01945. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Lillian’s family.